THE PROVINCIAL government of South Cotabato has finally allowed the limited reopening of tourism-related establishments and accommodations as part of the continuing restart phase of local economic activities.
Rudy Jimenea, head executive assistant of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., said Friday the move was to speed up the recovery of more businesses and industries that were affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
He said it officially took effect on Thursday based on Tamayo’s Executive Order (EO) No. 40, which provided more measures in line with the extension of the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in the province until July 31.
Under the EO, hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities were allowed to reopen at 50-percent capacity and subject to the strict observance of minimum health standards and other protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Tourism.
“Slowly we are opening up as we need to keep our economy running to better fight this pandemic,” he told reporters.
Majority of businesses and industries in the province have already reopened since the easing of the community quarantine measures in the province’s 10 towns and lone city since May 1.
Last July, the province reopened its borders to travelers from parts of Region 12 (Soccsksargen) the regional boundaries remained closed.
But the restrictions continued for amusement and gaming activities like cockfighting while the closure of gym and fitness studios, kid amusement and entertainment establishments like cinemas, disco/karaoke bars, pubs and nightclubs are sustained until the end of the month.
Mass gatherings, including religious activities, should be at 50-percent capacity and the curfew for all residents from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. remains in effect.
Lawyer Marnito Cosep, provincial legal officer, said the movement restrictions for all residents were lifted under the MGCQ but urged everyone to limit them to essential transactions.
He encouraged those aged 21-years-old and below, 60-years-old and above, and others considered vulnerable to Covid-19 to just stay home.
“This is still one of the best strategy in terms of controlling the spread of the virus,” he said.
Cosep said the provincial government, in coordination with law enforcement units and concerned agencies, will continue to monitor the health and safety protocols, especially the proper wearing of face masks and observance of safe physical distancing in public places and establishments
As of Thursday night, DOH-Region 12 has not reported any case of local transmission of Covid-19 in the province.
South Cotabato already recorded 35 confirmed cases of the disease, with case recovery rate of about 49 percent.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office said the current 17 active patients were in stable condition, mostly mild and asymptomatic cases.
